Swim games are great fun for kids but adults love them too. If you want to try out some new swimming pool games, now is the time. Pool party games are the perfect way to beat the summer heat and enjoy time with family and friends.
Whether you have a large backyard or an inflatable swimming pool doesn’t matter. You’ll find plenty of adult pool games that will keep you entertained for hours. Gather your friends and family and get ready for fun in the sun. If you’re looking for some fun and excitement, you have come to the right place.
From water volleyball to Marco Polo, there are tons of best swimming pool games for adults on my list sure to provide hours of entertainment. Below are fun pool games for adults that will make your next pool party one to remember.
Ah, one thing to remember is some of the pool games require equipment and some do not. Save this list for the next pool party you attend or host, and let the games begin.
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Things To Look For While Playing Pool Games
Pool games are safe and fun if played under supervision with certain basic rules. But, before you start playing any pool game, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
- Use Proper Swimwear: It is important to wear the right swimwear while playing pool games. This will ensure you are comfortable in the water and can move around easily.
- Check The Depth of The Pool: Make sure that the pool is not too deep for you. You don’t want to end up getting hurt while playing.
- Don’t Drink and Swim: Drinking and swimming are never good. This can put you in danger and you might hurt yourself. So please avoid this.
- Be Aware of the Other People in the Pool: Make sure you know the other people in the pool. You don’t want to accidentally hit someone while playing.
- Follow The Rules: Following all the game’s rules is a must. This will ensure everyone has a good time and no one gets hurt.
Now that you know what to look for let’s take a look at some of the best pool games for adults.
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Best Pool Party Games for Adults Without Equipment
If you are looking for some fun games, I have broken down different types of pool party games for adults. So that you can choose the ones that are best for your group. Below are the games that do not require anything other than a few friends.
1. Marco Polo
I’m sure you have heard of Marco Polo. If not then don’t worry because I will tell you all about it. Marco Polo is a classic pool game that is perfect for those who want fun. The game’s object is for one person to be “Marco” and the second should be “Polo”. Marco Polo is the perfect choice if you are looking for a classic and fun game.
How To Play:
- The “Marco” person should close their eyes and count to ten.
- After counting to ten, they should start calling “Marco”.
- The “Polo” person should respond by saying “Polo”.
- Marco should then try to find Polo.
- If Marco touches Polo, then Polo becomes Marco.
- The game is over when everyone has had a turn at being Marco.
2. Sharks and Minnows
I really love this game. This pool game is perfect for large groups to play. At least 10 people. You can say it is another version of tag in the water. Someone who is “it” tries to tag the other players, who then become “sharks”. The sharks then try to tag the remaining players, who become minnows.
How To Play:
- One person should be the “shark” and the rest of the people should be the “minnows”.
- The minnows should line up at one end of the pool.
- The shark should be at the other end of the pool.
- When the game starts, the minnows should try to swim to the other side of the pool without getting caught by the shark.
- If the shark catches a minnow, then that minnow becomes a shark.
- The game is over when there is only one minnow left.
3. Cannonball Contest
Who does not like creating splashes while jumping in the pool? This game is perfect for those who want to show off their cannonball skills. The person who makes the biggest splash is the winner. You need at least 2, but having more can be more fun.
How To Play:
- Everyone should stand at one end of the pool.
- Everyone should jump into the pool and do a cannonball when the game starts.
- The person who makes the biggest splash is the winner.
4. Chicken Fight
I played this game with my friends this summer. It is one of the funniest games to play in a pool. In this game, you need at least 4 people but if you have more, it would be more fun. The game aims to stay on your opponent’s shoulders for as long as possible without falling off.
How To Play:
- Divide the players into two teams.
- Each team should line up behind the other.
- The first person in each team should pick up the person behind them and put them on their shoulders.
- When the game starts, the teams should try to knock the other players off their shoulders.
- The winner is the team who knocks all of the other team’s players off first.
5. Swimmer Racing
Betting with your friends while playing a game in the pool? Why not? This game is perfect for those who want a little friendly competition. The winner is the first person to swim from one end of the pool to the other. You can also add obstacles in the middle to make it more challenging.
How To Play:
- Divide the players into two teams.
- Line the teams up at one end of the pool.
- When the game starts, the first person on each team should swim to the other end of the pool and back.
- The next person on each team should then swim.
- This should continue until one team has finished all of their players.
- The first team to finish is the winner.
- You can also add obstacles in the middle to make it more challenging.
6. Catch Me If You Can
I’m not talking about the movie here, but this game is just as fun. The aim of the game is to catch the other player while they are swimming. It is a great way to exercise and show your swimming skills.
How To Play:
- One player should be in the middle of the pool while the other players are on the side.
- When the game starts, the player in the middle should start swimming away from the other players.
- The other players should then try to catch the player in the middle.
- If a player is caught, they should become the player in the middle.
- The game should continue until one player has been caught 10 times.
7. Dolphin Racing
How about doing a race while your feet are tied using a bandana or piece of fabric? It can be more challenging than a regular swimming race. This game is perfect for those who want a little friendly competition. The winner is the first person to swim from one end of the pool to the other. You can also add obstacles in the middle to make it more challenging.
How To Play:
- Divide the players into two teams.
- Line the teams up at one end of the pool.
- Each player should have their feet tied together using a bandana or fabric.
- When the game starts, the first person on each team should swim to the other end of the pool and back.
- The next person on each team should then swim.
- This should continue until one team has finished all of their players.
- The first team to finish is the winner.
Swimming Pool Games for Adults With Equipment
These pool games require few things you can get from a local store or on Amazon.
8. Water Volleyball
Water volleyball is a lot like regular volleyball. To play this game, you don’t have to be a professional volleyball player. All you need is a net and a ball. The game can be played with any number of players.
How To Play:
- You will need a volleyball net and a ball to play water volleyball.
- Players can only use their hands to hit the ball. They cannot use their feet or any other part of their body.
- The team that scores the most points in a set period wins the game.
9. Water Polo
Water polo is a lot like regular soccer but played in a pool. The game is played with two teams. It’s very interesting and exciting to play. Water polo is the perfect choice if you are looking for a fast-paced and exciting game.
How To Play:
- To play water polo, you will need a ball and two goals.
- Players can only use their hands to hit the ball. They cannot use their feet or any other part of their body.
- The team that scores the most goals in a set time wins the game.
10. Hula Hoop Relay
If you don’t know how to swim properly or someone who doesn’t like to put their heads under the water, this game is not for you. The game aims to swim through rings while holding your breath. The winner is the first person to make it through all the rings. You need at least 5 rings for this game.
How To Play:
- You will need a hula hoop for this game.
- Divide the players into two teams and line them up at one end of the pool.
- Place the hula hoop at the other end of the pool.
- The first person in each team should swim to the hula hoop and put it around their waist.
- They should then swim back to the starting point and pass the hula hoop to the next person in line.
- The next person should swim through the hula hoop and back to the starting point.
- This should continue until one team has finished all of their players.
- The first team to finish is the winner.
11. Pool Tennis
You can still play water volleyball with this game when you don’t have a volleyball net. All you need is a ball and two paddles. The game can be played with any number of players.
How To Play:
- To play water volleyball, you will need a ball and two paddles.
- Players can only use their hands to hit the ball. They cannot use their feet or any other part of their body.
- The team that scores the most points in a set time wins the game.
12. Noodle Jousting
This is a very simple but fun game. All you need is a pool noodle and someone to play with. The aim of the game is to knock your opponent off of their floatie using only your noodle. This is a great game for those hot summer days.
How To Play:
- To play noodle jousting, you will need a pool noodle and a floatie.
- Players should get on their floaties and try to knock each other off using only their pool noodles.
- The last person standing is the winner.
13. Tetherball
Tetherball is a lot like regular volleyball but played in a pool. The game is played with two teams. It’s very interesting and exciting to play. Tetherball is the perfect choice if you are looking for a fast-paced and exciting game.
How To Play:
- To play tetherball, you will need a ball and two goals.
- Players can only use their hands to hit the ball. They cannot use their feet or any other part of their body.
- The team that scores the most goals in a set time wins the game.
14. Tug of War
Want to show your stamina? This game is perfect for that. All you need is a rope and someone to play with. The game aims to use the rope to pull your opponent into the water. This is a great game for those hot summer days.
How To Play:
- You will need a rope and two people to play tug of war.
- Players should hold onto the rope and try to pull each other into the water.
- The first person to be pulled into the water loses.
15. Pool Basketball
My brother loves playing basketball. So, when I saw this game, I knew he would love it. This game is perfect for those who love playing basketball. All you need is a ball and a hoop. The game can be played with any number of players.
How To Play:
- To play pool basketball, you will need a ball and a hoop.
- Players should try to score as many points as possible by shooting the ball into the hoop.
- The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
16. Pool Poker
Now it’s time to take your poker game to the pool. This game is perfect for those who love playing poker. All you need is a deck of cards and some chips. The game can be played with any number of players.
How To Play:
- You will need a deck of cards and some chips to play pool poker.
- Players should try to make the best poker hand possible using the cards they are dealt.
- The player with the best hand at the end of the game wins.
17. Floating Golf
Take your golf to the next level by playing it in the pool. This game is perfect for those who love playing golf. It might be a good idea to practice your putts before playing this game. All you need is a ball and a putter. The game can be played with any number of players.
How To Play:
- To play floating golf, you will need a ball and a putter.
- Players should try to hit the ball into the hole using the putter.
- The team with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.
18. Water Balloon Toss
Throwing balloons full of water is really fun. My friends and I spent hours playing this game when I was a kid. All you need is a water balloon and someone to play with. The game aims to throw the balloon to your partner without breaking it. This is a great game for those hot summer days.
How To Play:
- You will need a water balloon and two people to play water balloon toss.
- Players should stand on opposite sides of the pool and try to throw the balloon at each other without it breaking.
- If the balloon breaks, the team that threw it loses.
Fun Pool Activities for Adults
It is possible you might be tired of the pool games. So why not try some pool party activities that are just for adults. These activities are sure to make your party a hit.
19. Treasure Hunt
Take a handful of coins and throw them in the pool. Now the task is to find them all before the time runs out. This is a great activity for those who love a challenge. Create two teams and see which team can find the most coins.
20. Cocktail Making
If you want to add a bit of sophistication to your party, try cocktail making. This is a great activity for those who love to drink cocktails. All you need is some alcohol and mixers. A bartender will be able to help you make some delicious cocktails.
21. Movie Night
What better way to spend a summer night than watching a movie under the stars. This is a great activity for those who love movies. All you need is a projector and a screen. You can also bring snacks and drinks to make it a perfect movie night.
Pool Party Games for Couples
How can you forget about couples? Some great pool party games for couples are sure to make your party a hit.
22. Couples Scavenger Hunt
This is a great game for those who love a challenge. Create a list of items that you would like your guests to find. The first couple to find all the items wins the game.
23. Balloon Pop
This is a great game for those who love to pop balloons. All you need is a balloon and a sharp object. The game aims to pop the balloon before your partner does.
24. Water Bucket Challenge
This is a great game for those who love to be challenged. Fill up two buckets with water and place them at opposite ends of the pool. The game aims to transfer all the water from one bucket to the other using only your body. The first couple to complete the challenge wins.
25. Frisbee Toss
Let’s not forget about the classic Frisbee game. This is a great game for those who love to play Frisbee. All you need is a Frisbee and someone to play with. The game aims to throw the Frisbee to your partner and have them catch it. The team that catches the most Frisbees wins.
Wrapping It Up: Enjoy Your Pool Games
With everything you have to choose from, I think it is safe to say that you will never be bored at your pool party again. These popular swimming pool games are great for all ages and will make your party a hit. Adults, kids even couples can find a game to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start playing these swimming pool games today to beat the summer heat.
